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The Subtle Differences Between a Pop-Up and a Grand Slam

I don't claim to be a physicist or anything, but I think it's safe to say there's a big difference between a pop fly and a home run.

I had a bit of a chuckle watching the replay from Adam Lind's grand slam and couldn't help but notice Nathan Adlock was convinced it was a pop-up when it was obviously otherwise.

Here's a very in-depth visual aid to distinguish the very subtle differences:

Also judging by the positioning of the fielders immediately after the ball was hit, I'm pretty sure everyone at Kaufman Stadium knew that was a home run ... except for Nathan Adlock. His initial reaction is priceless:

As for explanations as to why Adlock would be pointing upwards signalling a pop fly, there were several suggestions in Twitter. The Ack and @James_In_TO said Adlock was warning folks in the bleachers of a incoming souvenir home run ball.

@WarrenMichaelDL said perhaps Adlock was pointing towards his launch angle or he was asking the lord and savior for help. @katitis1 thought Nathan Adlock was using the force to help bring the ball back.

All of these are very suitable explanations as to why Nathan Adlock thought the ball was an easy out, but the short of it is I think he and the Kansas City Royals learned the hard way not to intentionally walk Jose Bautista to get to Adam Lind.

4 comments:

Burger_Man, thanks for the kind words. I guess we can chalk it up to a rookie mistake for Nathan Adlock. Maybe by the way the ball sounded off the bat, he was convinced it was a pop-up. I bet he'll never make that mistake again!

funny thing is, so far, with lind and bautista together in the line up, the jays actually have a losing record. think it's 16-11 or something like that. as compared to a winning record when it's been one or the other. lets hope that changes now!

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The Blue Jay Hunter is a blog about the Toronto Blue Jays, which takes a look at the team under the microscope. Mixed in with just a hint of humour, and a shred of dignity. I also have an affinity for baseball moustaches.